This section describes the procedures governing registration of formal complaints with the Palo Alto Little League Board of Directors concerning the actions of Managers, Coaches, Players, Umpires or Parents. Complaints may be lodged regarding conduct of these individuals, not game results. The outcome of games is to be addressed by a Protest Committee as detailed in the Manager's Handbook. Only team managers can protest games, and protests will only be considered on the Major league level.

NOTE: All team managers are required to read and abide by the Code of Ethics for Managers and Coaches found in the Local Rule Book/Manager's Handbook. This handbook is updated and printed annually and distributed to managers prior to the beginning of the season.

Complaints must be handled diligently. However, because the Little League Board meets regularly only once per month, it can take up to two or three months for the Board to resolve a complaint. Complaints are screened by a committee consisting of the League Vice President and two other Board members. If by chance one of them is involved in the complaint, another Board member will be substituted.

Complaint Procedure

1. If a parent objects to a team manager's policies or actions (or the actions of anyone else associated with the team or league), that parent should first discuss the matter directly with the manager. Do not approach the manager during a game or practice with your objection. Call and discuss the matter over the phone, or make an appointment to see him or her in person. Do not attempt to raise your objection when children are present.

2. If you are not satisfied with the manager's response, you must call the Player Agent for your league within one week of the incident and discuss the problem. Do not proceed until after you have talked with the Player Agent. Player Agent names and phone numbers are listed in the Board Members section later in this handbook.

3. If you decide to pursue your complaint, you must submit a written letter to the Player Agent and the League Vice President. The League Vice President and two other Little League Board members will meet to discuss the complaint. You will be invited to this meeting along with interested parties or witnesses, including the subject of the complaint. The meeting will take place no sooner than four days following notification of the concerned party or parties.

4. If the complaint is not resolved at this meeting, the Complaint Committee will decide on a recommendation for the Board. The Committee shall inform the League Secretary if time is required at the next board meeting to present the recommendation. If the committee plans to dismiss the complaint no further action will be taken at this level. The complainant will be notified by the committee in the event of dismissal. If the committee plans disciplinary action against anyone, time will be set aside at an upcoming Board meeting to resolve the issue.

5. If the complaint reaches the Little League Board in the form of a recommendation of disciplinary action against a manager, coach, umpire, player or parent, and the person(s) involved intends to protest that action, all interested parties will be invited to the next regular Board meeting unless that Board meeting is less than one week away, in which case the hearing will be scheduled for the following regular Board meeting. The Board will hear the recommendation of the Committee and then will listen to interested parties. The Board will resolve the issue by vote at that meeting.

6. If the recommendation for disciplinary action is not protested, the Board will simply hear the recommendation, open the matter for discussion, then call a vote for action.